Why the Patriots Should Trade for Davante Adams: The Move That Could Save New England’s Offense
The New England Patriots are at a critical crossroads in their 2024 season. Sitting at 1-3 and struggling to generate any meaningful offense, the team’s once-dominant dynasty feels like a distant memory. The defense, despite its ups and downs, can only carry the team so far, and the offense has been stagnant, to say the least. With veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett underperforming and rookie Drake Maye waiting in the wings, it’s clear that the Patriots need a major offensive weapon to revitalize their attack. Enter Davante Adams.
Recent reports suggest that the Las Vegas Raiders are open to trading their disgruntled star wide receiver, and this is precisely the opportunity the Patriots need to seize. Adams, one of the most elite wide receivers in the NFL, could be the game-changer the Patriots need to not only salvage their season but to set up future success with their young talent. But the real question is: Does Eliot Wolf, the Patriots’ executive vice president of player personnel, have the guts to pull off this high-stakes move?
The Patriots’ Struggling Offense
Through the first four weeks of the 2024 NFL season, the Patriots’ offense has been nothing short of dismal. Brissett has thrown for under 200 yards in each game, completing just two touchdowns while turning the ball over five times. The offensive line has been riddled with injuries, allowing 15 sacks in four games, leaving Brissett to scramble under relentless pressure. There’s been talk of benching Brissett in favor of rookie sensation Drake Maye, but it’s doubtful that any quarterback could succeed behind this offensive line and lackluster receiving corps.
Ja’Lynn Polk and Javon Baker, both drafted in 2024, have shown glimpses of potential, but they’re simply too inexperienced to carry the weight of an offense that desperately needs a reliable target. While Tyquan Thornton has had his moments, the Patriots lack a true No. 1 receiver—someone who can consistently command double teams, open up the field, and make game-changing plays. And when you look around the league, there’s only one man who fits the bill: Davante Adams.
Why Davante Adams is the Perfect Fit
Adams is not just a receiver—he’s one of the best wideouts of his generation. Over his career, Adams has earned five Pro Bowl selections, two first-team All-Pro nods, and has consistently been a top-tier target. He’s averaged over 1,300 receiving yards in four of the past five seasons and remains one of the best route-runners in the NFL.
For the Patriots, Adams would immediately become their go-to guy. Imagine what his presence could do for Brissett or Maye. Adams would instantly command double teams, which would open up opportunities for young receivers like Polk, Baker, and Thornton to make plays. His ability to dominate in the red zone would help the Patriots finally convert long drives into touchdowns instead of settling for field goals.
Moreover, Adams’ ability to stretch the field would provide the deep threat the Patriots have sorely lacked since the departure of Randy Moss. He’s a proven leader, someone who could mentor younger players while providing them the space and freedom to develop without the pressure of being the focal point of the offense. Simply put, Adams would be a complete game-changer.
The Leadership Factor
The 2024 Patriots have brought in rookies Ja’Lynn Polk and Javon Baker, both of whom have shown promise, but neither has had the experience nor the leadership needed to guide this offense. Adams would instantly fill this void. A consummate professional, Adams has been a locker-room leader throughout his career, and his experience would be invaluable for the Patriots’ young wide receiver corps. His ability to mentor Polk, Baker, and others would accelerate their development, helping them grow into reliable targets while taking the pressure off them to produce immediately.
Polk and Baker both have potential, but they’re not ready to be the focal point of this offense. Baker, in particular, has struggled to adjust to the speed and complexity of NFL defenses, and Polk’s inconsistency has left him in and out of the starting lineup. Adams would give these young players time to grow while providing the Patriots with a reliable, game-changing presence on the field.
Adams’ Discontent in Las Vegas: A Golden Opportunity
It’s no secret that Davante Adams is unhappy with his situation in Las Vegas. The Raiders have struggled mightily this season, and Adams’ relationship with head coach Antonio Pierce has deteriorated over time. His recent comments on the “Up and Adams” show with Kay Adams suggest a player who is mentally checked out, ready for a change of scenery.
Adams missed last Sunday’s game against the Browns with a hamstring injury, and rumors have swirled that he has played his last game as a Raider. Las Vegas has reportedly been gauging interest from teams around the league, and the Patriots should be at the top of that list. They have the cap space to take on Adams’ contract—$36 million in available space this season, with a projected $138 million in 2025, the most in the NFL.
The Patriots have historically been conservative in trades, often valuing draft picks over veteran players. But this is a move they can’t afford to pass up. If the Patriots want to compete in a highly competitive AFC East and salvage their season, Adams is the answer. But it’s not just about this season—it’s about setting up the future.
The Future of the Patriots Offense with Adams
The addition of Adams would be transformative for the Patriots offense, both in the short term and the long term. If the Patriots decide to transition to Drake Maye at quarterback, having a receiver like Adams will be crucial for the young quarterback’s development. A reliable, dominant target like Adams will make Maye’s life much easier, giving him the confidence to make plays without forcing throws. Every young quarterback needs a go-to weapon, and Adams is as reliable as they come.
Furthermore, Adams’ presence would provide a clear direction for the Patriots’ offense. For too long, the Patriots have lacked an identity on that side of the ball. With Adams in the fold, the Patriots could finally build around a superstar receiver, something they haven’t had since Randy Moss. The pieces would fall into place around him, and the offense would have the kind of balance and firepower that’s been sorely missing.
Does Eliot Wolf Have the Guts?
The biggest question, however, is whether Eliot Wolf has the guts to make this move. The Patriots have all the resources they need to acquire Adams. They have the cap space, they have the draft capital, and they have the need. But Wolf has yet to make a trade of this magnitude since taking over as the team’s head personnel decision-maker. Trading for Adams would be a bold, franchise-altering move—one that could define Wolf’s legacy in New England.
In the past, the Patriots have been cautious in making blockbuster moves, but the 2024 season demands a different approach. The offense is stagnant, and if they wait too long to address the issue, it could derail their season entirely. Adams is the kind of player who doesn’t become available very often, and the Patriots must act now.
A Move New England Can’t Afford to Miss
If the New England Patriots want to save their season and build a brighter future, they need to make the bold move of trading for Davante Adams. The team’s wide receiving corps, while promising, is simply too inexperienced to elevate the offense on its own. Adams would provide the kind of leadership, talent, and reliability that the Patriots desperately need. He’s a proven superstar, and he’s exactly what the team’s offense needs to get back on track.
The time is now for Eliot Wolf to make a statement. Does he have the guts to pull off a move that could turn the Patriots’ season around? The ball is in his court, and the future of the franchise may depend on it.
